If you have read our article on the 500 lire bimetallic coins minted by the Italian Republic and the one about the italian 500 lire silver coins, you may have read the one on the 500 lire San Marino coins. But also the Vatican City has minted 500 lire bimetallic coins. In this article we will examine the various 500 Lire Vatican Coins (there are 20!).
- Composition of the 500 Vatican City Bimetallic Lira
- History of the Vatican's 500 bi-metallic lira coins
- Value of 500 Lire Vatican Coins
- 500 Lire Vatican Coins
- 500 Lire Vatican Coin 1982 – “Education”
- 500 Lire Vatican Coin 1983 – “God creating the Universe”
- 500 Lire Vatican Coin 1984 – “The Year of Peace”
- 500 Lire Vatican Coin 1985 – “Saint Peter the Fisherman”
- 500 Lire Vatican Coin 1986 – “Mary and Christ”
- 500 Lire Vatican Coin 1987 – “Madonna of the Saviour”
- 500 Lire Vatican 1988 – “The Trinity”
- 500 Lire Vatican 1989 – “The Grapevine”
- 500 Lire Vatican Coin 1990 – “Christianity in Europe”
- 500 Lire Vatican Coin 1991 – “Go and preach (or Missionaries)”
- 500 Lire Vatican Coin 1992 – “Bread offering”
- 500 Lire Vatican Coins 1993 – “PATER NOSTER”
- 500 Lire Vatican Coin 1994 – “Racism and solidarity”
- 500 Lire Vatican Coins 1995 – “The root of violence against life”
- 500 Lire Vatican Coin 1996 – “Catechism”
- 500 Lire Vatican Coins 1997 – “Forgiveness and Peace”
- 500 Lire Vatican Coins 1998 – “Wheat and Olives”
- 500 Lire Vatican Coin 1999 – “Time of choices, time of hope”
- 500 Lire Vatican Coins 2000 – “Pilgrimage to the Holy Land”
- 500 Lire Vatican Coin 2001 – “Pope John Paul I”
- 500 Lire Vatican Coins – Table with the values of all coins
Composition of the 500 Vatican City Bimetallic Lira
The Vatican City 500 lire bimetallic coins were minted with the same metal alloys used for the Italian 500 lire bimetallic coins and San Marino 500 lire bimetallic coins.
As you will certainly know if you have read our articles on the 500 bimetallic lira of the Italian Republic and San Marino, we are talking about Acmonital and Bronzital!
The weight and size also remain the same. The 500 lire bimetallic coins of the Vatican City in fact have these characteristics:
- they weigh 6.8 grams
- have a diameter of 25.8 millimetres
- and have a discontinuous ridged edge.
Exactly like the Italian ones!
History of the Vatican’s 500 bi-metallic lira coins
The Vatican’s 500 lire bimetallic coins, like those of Italy and San Marino, began to be minted in 1982 during the pontificate of John Paul II.
Every year the obverse and the reverse change, as for those of San Marino.
All 500 Vatican bimetallic lira were minted for circulation.
Value of 500 Lire Vatican Coins
If you are wondering how much the 500 Vatican Lira you found in the pocket of an old coat or in some drawer is worth, reading this article will give you a clear idea of its value and quotation.
The 500 lire coins of the Vatican City all have a value ranging from 3 euros to around 20 euros depending on rarity.
Let’s see now the description of each 500 lira bimetallic coin of the Vatican City and its valuation.
500 Lire Vatican Coins
Let’s see one by one all the 500 lire coins of Vatican City in detail, with pictures and prices.
500 Lire Vatican Coin 1982 – “Education”
The first Vatican bimetallic 500 lire coin was minted in 1982 and is dedicated to the theme of education.
Description 500 Lira Vatican City 1982 “Education”.
The obverse of the inner circle depicts the profile of Pope John Paul II. The circular acmonital crown bears the inscription “IOANNES PAVLVS II P M” (John Paul II Pontiff Maximus), the year MCMLXXXII and the year of his pontificate “AN.IV”.
On the reverse, the outer ring reads ‘CITTA’ DEL VATICANO’ at the top, while at the bottom there is the R sign of the Rome mint between two ears of corn. The inner circle depicts an elderly friar explaining and teaching something to two young men, one standing and one seated. On the right hand side there is the value L.500.
The author of both sides of the coin is Enrico Manfrini.
Value of the 500 Vatican Lira 1982 coin
- These 500 bimetallic lira Vatican 1982 were minted with a quite high circulation, in fact their current value is around 5€.
500 Lire Vatican Coin 1983 – “God creating the Universe”
In 1983, the Vatican City’s 500 bimetallic lira represented God’s creation of the universe.
Description 500 Lire Vatican City 1983 “Creation of the Universe”.
On the obverse, on the inner part of this Vatican 500 lira bimetallic coin, is a representation of Pope Karol Józef Wojtyła facing a cross on the left. The outer ring bears the name “IOANNES PAVLVS II P.M.”, the year of his pontificate “A.V” and the thousandth “MCMLXXXIII”.
The reverse of this 1983 coin depicts, in the centre, the hand of God touching a sphere formed by lines, thus representing the act of creation of the Universe. To the lower right is the signature of the author Nicola Morelli, to the left the mint mark.
The outer ring of these 500 bimetallic lira bears the value L.500 and the inscription “CITTA’ DEL VATICANO”.
Value of 500 lira Vatican 1983 coin
- How much are 500 lira 1983 Vatican Lira worth? The value of the 500 Bimetallic Lira Vatican 1983 can reach about 6€, if in FDC quality.
500 Lire Vatican Coin 1984 – “The Year of Peace”
In 1984, the Vatican’s 500 bimetallic lira was dedicated to the Year of Peace.
Description 500 Lira Vatican City 1984 “Year of Peace”.
On these 500 bimetallic lira of 1984 on the obverse, in the inner roundel, is the profile of Pope Wojtyła looking to the left, while the outer crown bears the inscription “IOANNES PAVLVS II P.M.”, “A. VI” for the sixth year of his pontificate and the year MCMLXXXIV.
The bronzital circle on the reverse depicts two hands holding an olive bud. Below them is the inscription “PAX” and on the right the mint mark. The outer ring bears the inscription “CITTA’ DEL VATICANO” and at the bottom the value L.500.
The author of these representations is Ennio Tesei.
Value of 500 lira Vatican 1984
- The 500 bimetallic lira Vatican 1984 “Year of Peace” are worth about 5€, as they are not particularly rare coins.
500 Lire Vatican Coin 1985 – “Saint Peter the Fisherman”
In 1985 the Vatican City minted its 500 lire bimetallic coins dedicated to the Apostle Peter.
Description 500 Lira Vatican City 1985 “Apostle Peter”
On the obverse of these 500 Vatican Lira of 1985 there is again the profile of Pope John Paul II looking to the left and on the outer circular crown the words “IOANNES PAVLVS II PONT. MAX.”, “AN. VII” and the year MCMLXXXV.
On the reverse, the image occupies both the inner roundel and the outer ring, showing the fisherman Peter in his fishing boat sailing on the waters of the Sea of Galilee. At the top we find “CITTA’ DEL VATICANO”, on the left the mint mark and at the bottom the value L.500.
The author of the two sides of this 500 lire coin is Guido Veroi.
Value 500 Vatican Lira 1985
- These 1985 Vatican 500 lira coins are not rare and can currently reach a value of almost €5, even in FDC quality.
500 Lire Vatican Coin 1986 – “Mary and Christ”
The 500 lire coins minted in 1986 by the Vatican City are dedicated to the figures of Mary and Jesus.
Let’s see what is represented there.
Description 500 Lira Vatican City 1986 “Mary and Jesus”.
On the reverse of this Vatican 500 lira of 1986 are Mary and Jesus, seated. Jesus is in the act of blessing a cross while Mary holds her hands joined. To her left is the R of the Rome mint. In the outer circle we read the value L.500 at the bottom and “CITTA’ DEL VATICANO” at the top.
On the obverse, on the acmonital crown the inscriptions “IOANNES PAVLVS II P.M.”, “AN. VIII” and the year MCMLXXXVI. Also on the obverse, in the centre is the profile of the Pope looking to the right, and on the bottom left the signature of the author Guido Veroi.
Value of the 1986 Vatican 500 lira coins
- The current value of these 500 Vatican City Bimetallic Lira of 1986, even in FDC, does not reach 6€.
500 Lire Vatican Coin 1987 – “Madonna of the Saviour”
The Vatican 500 lire of 1987 were dedicated to the Madonna weeping for Christ on the cross.
Description 500 Lira Vatican City 1987 “Madonna of the Saviour”.
On the obverse of these 500 lire of 1987, on the outer ring there are the usual inscriptions “IOANNES PAVLVS II P.M.”, “AN.IX” and the year MCMLXXXVII. In the centre there is a picture of Pope Wojtyła looking to the left and below the signature of the author Angelo Canevari.
On the reverse of these 500 lire 1987 coins is a depiction of Mary weeping over her son Jesus nailed to the cross. The outer ring reads ‘CITTA’ DEL VATICANO’ at the top and the value L.500 at the bottom, separated by two dots.
Value of the 1987 Vatican 500 lira coins
- These 500 Vatican Lira of 1987 are not very rare and are worth about 9€ today.
500 Lire Vatican 1988 – “The Trinity”
The 500 lire coins of 1988 are dedicated by Vatican City to the Holy Trinity.
Description 500 Lira Vatican City 1988 “Trinity”.
The obverse of this 500 lira coin depicts the right profile of John Paul II, whose left side bears the signature of Guido Veroi. On the outer crown appear, as always, the words “IOANNES PAVLVS II P:M:” and “AN. X”. The thousandth is MCMLXXXVIII.
On the outer crown on the reverse side is written “CITTA’ DEL VATICANO” and the value L.500 with the mint mark R.The Holy Trinity is depicted in the centre. On the right is God, on the left Christ. Both hold one hand on the other’s shoulder and hold a dove (symbol of the Holy Spirit) with the other hand.
Value of the 500 Lira coin Vatican 1988
- These 500 Vatican Lira are not particularly rare and are worth €5.
500 Lire Vatican 1989 – “The Grapevine”
In 1989, the Vatican’s 500 lire were dedicated to the work of the land, which is the source of life and food for mankind.
Description 500 Lira Vatican City 1989 “Vine and Grapes”.
In the inner circle of these 500 lire, the reverse depicts a vine plant, with numerous bunches of grapes and hanging tendrils. The R of the Rome mint can be seen at the bottom left. On the outer ring the inscription “CITTA’ DEL VATICANO” and the value L.500.
Also on the acmonital ring, on the obverse are the inscriptions ‘IOANNES PAVLVS II P.M.’ and ‘AN. XI”. The year is MCMLXXXIX and in the inner ring there is still the profile of Pope Wojtyła with the signature of the author Enrico Manfrini at the bottom.
Value of the 500 Lira Vatican coins 1989
- How much are these 500 Vatican Lira worth? Like other 500 lira of Vatican City, they are worth 6€ if Brilliant Uncirculated.
500 Lire Vatican Coin 1990 – “Christianity in Europe”
The theme of this 1990 Vatican City 500 lira coin is the importance of Christianity in Europe.
Description 500 Lira Vatican City 1990 “Christianity in Europe”.
On the obverse of these 500 lire coins the usual profile of Pope John Paul II looks to the left, and on the bottom right is the signature of the author Angelo Canevari. On the outer ring the inscriptions “IOANNES PAVLVS II P.M.” and “A. XII”, together with the year MCMXC leave room for two small branches with small leaves.
On the reverse, the design shows two friars, one Orthodox Christian and one Western Christian, kneeling on either side of Christ, on top of a mountain with a path and grazing sheep. Jesus is holding a flag in his hand and the mint mark R appears on the far right. The outer ring bears the value L.500 at the bottom and the inscription “CITTA’ DEL VATICANO”, separated by six stars.
Value of the 500 Lira Vatican City coins of the year 1990
- This 500 Lira Vatican coin can also be worth, if Brilliant Uncirculated, around 6€.
500 Lire Vatican Coin 1991 – “Go and preach (or Missionaries)”
The 1991 Vatican 500 lira is called “Go and preach” because it celebrates the missionaries who bring the Gospel to the world.
Description of the 500-Lira Vatican City 1991 “Missionaries” coins
On the obverse of these 500 lire we find, on the outer ring, the inscriptions “IOANNES PAVLVS II P.M.” and “A. XIII” together with the year MCMXCI. In the centre the profile of the Pope looks to the left, and the signature of the author Nicola Morelli is under the profile, on the right.
The reverse depicts Christ showing the way to a group of missionaries. Morelli’s signature also appears on the reverse, together with the mint mark. The outer circle reads ‘CITTA’ del VATICANO’ and the value L.500.
Value of Vatican City 500 lira coins of year 1991
- Unfortunately, these 1991 Vatican 500 bimetallic lira are not rare either and their current value is 7€.
500 Lire Vatican Coin 1992 – “Bread offering”
The Vatican City coined its 500 lire in 1992 to convey the message that the fruit of the earth should be shared and intended for the whole world.
Description 500 Lira Vatican City 1992 “Bread”.
On the obverse, in the centre, the profile of the Pope is facing to the right and the signature of the author, Sergio Giandomenico, is below the design. The outer crown, as always, bears the inscriptions “IOANNES PAVLVS II P.M.” and “AN. XIV”, the year MCMXCII and 5 small dots.
On the reverse of these 500 lire the acmonital crown bears the inscription “CITTA’ DEL VATICANO” and the value L.500, divided by two groups of five dots. On the inner part, two hands offer a loaf of bread and in the background one can see the meridians and the terrestrial parallels. The mint mark R is on the right hand side.
Value of the 500 Lira coins Vatican City 1992
- These 500 Vatican Lira of 1992 are not rare but common, and if you ask how much they are worth the answer is just over 6€.
500 Lire Vatican Coins 1993 – “PATER NOSTER”
The Vatican City’s 1993 500 lira is dedicated to the best-known of all Christian prayers, the Lord’s Prayer.
Description 500 Lira Vatican City 1993 “PATER NOSTER”.
These 500 lira Vatican coins have on the obverse, in the centre, John Paul II depicted in front while on the outer crown is written “IOANNES PAVLVS II PONT. MAX.”, “AN. XV” and the year MCMXCIII.
On the reverse, the outer ring bears the inscription “CITTA’ DEL VATICANO” interspersed with chains holding an incense burner. At the bottom is the value L.500 with the mint mark to its left. In the centre is the censer, or thurible, used in religious services to burn incense. On the sides of the censer is written “PATER NOSTER”.
Value 500 Lira Vatican City 1993
- These Vatican 500 lire coins of 1993 may be worth, in FDC, about 5€.
500 Lire Vatican Coin 1994 – “Racism and solidarity”
The message that this 500 lire coin of the year 1994 from the Vatican City wants to convey is that Christ died for everyone, without ethnic distinctions.
Description 500 Lira Vatican City 1994 “Racism and solidarity”.
The obverse of this 1994 500 lira coin features the usual profile of the Pope facing left. On the outer crown are the inscriptions ‘IOANNES PAVLVS II P.M’ and ‘A XVI’. In addition to the year MCMXCIV, there is the signature of the author Angelo Canevari and the engraver Eugenio Driutti.
On the verso, in the centre, two groups of people of different nationalities can be seen meeting at the foot of Golgotha, the mountain of Calvary, with its three crosses. It is an allegorical representation of the meeting of different cultures and nationalities and of solidarity between peoples. On the outside, the value L.500 is at the bottom, with the mint mark on the left. At the top is the inscription “CITTA’ DEL VATICANO”.
Value of 500 Lira Vatican City 1994
- These 1994 Vatican 500 lire coins can be worth almost €5.
500 Lire Vatican Coins 1995 – “The root of violence against life”
In 1995, the 500 lira of the Vatican City represents the story of Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam and Eve.
Description 500 Lira Vatican City 1995 “Cain and Abel”.
On the obverse of the central roundel of this 500 lira of 1995 is the profile of Pope Wojtyła facing to the left. Under the design are the signatures of the author Enrico Manfrini and the engraver Eugenio Driutti. On the outer ring there are three small stars and the inscriptions ‘IOANNES PAVLVS II P.M.’, ‘AN. XVII” and the year MCMXCV.
The centre of the reverse depicts Cain attacking Abel with a club, beating him to death. Below them is the mintmark R and on the outside at the bottom is the value L.500 and at the top the inscription “CITTA’ DEL VATICANO”.
Value of 500 Lire Coin of Vatican City Year 1995
- These 500 Vatican Lira of 1995 may have a value, in FDC, of just over 5€.
500 Lire Vatican Coin 1996 – “Catechism”
In 1996, the theme of the 500 lire from the Vatican City was the Catechism.
Description 500 Lira Vatican City 1996 “Catechism”.
The image on the obverse of the 1996 Vatican 500 lira coins is once again the profile of the Pope facing to the left and on the outer circle the inscriptions ‘IOANNES PAVLVS II P.M.’, ‘A. XVIII and the year mark MCMXCVI.
The reverse of this Vatican 500 lira shows two catechists teaching a little girl. One of them is holding up his right arm in a gesture of arresting the snake on the outer ring. The mint mark is on the left of the girl and Orietta Rossi’s signature is at the bottom.
On the outer circle, in addition to the snake, are the value L.500 and the inscription “CITTA’ DEL VATICANO”.
Value of the 500 Lira coin Vatican City 1996
- The 1996 Vatican 500 Bimetallic Lira coins are not rare but their value, in FDC quality, is higher than those seen so far. How much are they worth? Around 16€!
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500 Lire Vatican Coins 1997 – “Forgiveness and Peace”
For the 1997 500 lire Vatican City coins, the theme chosen was ‘Forgiveness and Peace’.
Description of the 500 Lira Vatican City 1997 coin “Offer forgiveness, receive peace”.
The obverse of these 500 lire of 1997 shows, as always, the profile of the Pope, facing to the right. On the outer crown are the usual inscriptions of the obverse, namely “IOANNES PAVLVS II P.M.” and “AN. XIX” together with the year MCMXCVII.
The central part of the reverse depicts the scene of a man falling among the brambles, on the left, being helped by another man standing on the right, who in return receives an olive branch representing Peace.
Now, the scene is an allegory of offering forgiveness to those who have fallen into the bush of sin, receiving peace in return. The mint mark can be seen in the upper left corner. The outer ring reads ‘CITTA’ DEL VATICANO’ and the value L.500, with the signature of the author Gabriella Titotto on the right and the engraver ‘L. DE SIMONI INC’ on the left.
Value of 500 lire coins Vatican 1997
- The 1997 Vatican 500 lire are also not rare and are worth around €6.
500 Lire Vatican Coins 1998 – “Wheat and Olives”
The Vatican’s 1998 500 lira coins are dedicated to sharing the fruits of the earth, particularly Wheat and Olives.
Description 500 Lira Vatican City 1998 “Wheat and Olives”.
The reverse of these 500 lire coins depicts two men in a wheat field exchanging an ear of corn and a sprig of olives. The ears of wheat and the sprig are also repeated on the outer ring, at the top, together with “CITTA’ DEL VATICANO”, the value L.500 and the sign of the Rome mint. To the right of the value are the signatures of the author (Paolo Borghi) and engraver (L. DE SIMONI INC).
On the obverse of this 500 lira of 1998, John Paul II again faces to the right, this time holding a crucifix in both hands. On the outside the inscription is “IOANNES PAVLVS II P.M.” and “AN. XX’ and the year mark is MCMXCVIII.
Value of Vatican 500 Lira 1998
- These Vatican 500 lire bimetallic coins from 1998 have a circulation of 103,500 and their value is just under €30.
500 Lire Vatican Coin 1999 – “Time of choices, time of hope”
The theme of the 1999 Vatican 500 lira is God’s blessing on our children.
Description 500 Lira Vatican City 1999 “God bless our children”.
On the obverse of these 500 Vatican City Lira coins of 1999 we can still see the right profile of the Pope, whose left side is signed by the author Angelo Canevari and the engraver Uliana Pernazza. On the outside, in addition to the thousandth year MCMXCIX, the words ‘IOANNES PAVLVS II P.M.’ and ‘AN. XXI”.
On the verso there is a woman holding a newborn child and a man caressing the child’s head. A hand descends from above, the hand of God bearing his blessing. To the right of the hand is the R sign of the Rome mint, while on the outer ring the value L.500 and the inscription ‘CITTA’ DEL VATICANO’ are interspersed with bunches of ears of corn.
Value 500 Lira Vatican City 1999
- These 1999 Vatican 500 lire have a circulation of 161,000 and if FDC they reach a value of about 25€.
500 Lire Vatican Coins 2000 – “Pilgrimage to the Holy Land”
In 2000, the Vatican City minted 500 lira coins dedicated to the Pope’s pilgrimage to the Holy Land from 21 March to 26 March 2000, the Jubilee year.
Description of 500 Lira Vatican City 2000 Coins “Holy Year 2000”.
In the centre, on the reverse, is a coat of arms of the Vatican City, with the keys of Peter surmounted by the papal triregnum, placed behind a banner with the letter M. Below the image is the mint mark and on the outer circle “CITTA’ DEL VATICANO” at the top and the value L.500 at the bottom.
On the obverse, on the outer circle the inscriptions are “IOANNES PAVLVS II P.M.” and “A. XXII”. then a small bar separates the inscription “AN. IVB.” (Annus Iubilaris) and the thousandth MM followed by a dot.
In the centre is the Pope visiting the Holy Land, with the signature of the author Cecco Bonanotte and the engraver “BEDETTI INC.” on his left.
Value of 500 Lira Vatican City 2000 Coin
- This is the highest-value 500 lira Vatican City coin at the moment! These 2000 coins were minted with a mintage of only 26,000 and their value is much higher. So how much are the 500 Vatican Lira 2000 coins worth? Their value is about 50€!
If you own a bimetallic coin like these 500 lire, you can easily sell it at auction individually or in a lot on this site and find a bidder for very high amounts.
500 Lire Vatican Coin 2001 – “Pope John Paul I”
The latest 500 lira coin of the Vatican City is from the year 2001. These 500 lira coins celebrate the Pope who preceded Wojtyła, John Paul I.
Description 500 Lira Vatican City 2001 “John Paul I”.
On the obverse of the Vatican 500 lira of 2001, the outer circle bears the inscription ‘IOANNES PAVLVS II P.M.’, separated by two crosses from ‘AN. XXIII” and the thousandth MMI. In the centre of this particular 500 lire is the Vatican coat of arms, with the keys and the triregnum. At the bottom the engraver’s signature “MAURI INC.”.
On the reverse, the central part is occupied by the profile of Pope John Paul I, facing left. Below him is the inscription ‘GIOVANNI PAOLO I’ and on the outer ring ‘CITTA’ DEL VATICANO’, the mint mark and the value L.500, with a small cross on the left. The author of both sides of the coin is Laura Cretara, author of numerous coins including the 500 Italian bimetallic lira.
Value of 500 Lira Coin Vatican 2001
- Only 26,000 of these last 500 bimetallic lira of Vatican 2001 were minted. These 500 Vatican City Lira can reach a value of about 26€!
500 Lire Vatican Coins – Table with the values of all coins
Here is the table with the values of all the Vatican 500 Lira Bimetallic coins, year by year.
